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Key developments: The Better Business Bureau data shows Washington consumers suffered about $1.9 million in online‑purchase scam losses and more than $1.1 million from phishing and identity‑theft incidents, totaling roughly $3 million. Meanwhile, federal data reveals a broader escalation, with the FTC logging over 1.13 million identity‑theft complaints in 2024 and a jump to 1.36 million reports in 2025 – an almost 20 % increase year‑over‑year.
Why they matter: The Washington figures illustrate how local victims are part of a nationwide surge in identity‑theft activity, highlighting the growing financial impact of digital fraud. The high volume of FTC complaints underscores that the problem is not isolated; it affects millions across the country and strains law‑enforcement and consumer‑protection resources.
What to watch next: Watch for updated BBB and FTC statistics in the coming months, especially any changes after Cybersecurity Awareness Month initiatives. Pay attention to emerging guidance on multilayer authentication and password‑manager adoption, which the BBB recommends as immediate defenses, and monitor potential legislative actions aimed at strengthening consumer protections against identity‑theft. [[1, 2]]